GAP-Group Amenity Points

[KikiKruiser]

I just looked in my RCI Travel Agent guide and NOWHERE does it say that you cannot use GAP on all sailings. It does that the AMENITIES may vary by sailing, but not that they are not entirely available.

JMHO, YMMV

 

Sorry, but this is a prime example of that old saying, "a little bit of knowledge is dangerous." My aunt and uncle have an agency and are my TA's so I know all about groups with RCI. Not every sailing has GAP points. For example, we had been considering several dates in the fall on either the Freedom and the Mariner for a family reunion, but no GAP points, so no extra fun stuff, and we're postponing til the spring when we can get points. My cousins are on the Legend of the Seas in the Med next month - guess what, no GAP points. Sometimes there'll be more GAP points in the beginning, and if you wait too long, the points either shrink or disappear. It's supply and demand. :)

[Ella2]

I just looked in my RCI Travel Agent guide and NOWHERE does it say that you cannot use GAP on all sailings. It does that the AMENITIES may vary by sailing, but not that they are not entirely available.

 

There are MANY, MANY sailings that do NOT offer group amenity points!

 

TAs have access to a list of all sailings that DO.

[yosh12]

I just looked in my RCI Travel Agent guide and NOWHERE does it say that you cannot use GAP on all sailings. It does that the AMENITIES may vary by sailing, but not that they are not entirely available.

 

I am in the process of trying to put a group together for next year and our TA (who is also a dear friend) told us about it. We plan to give everyone money off including dividing up the free berth cost.

 

I don't see why cruisers who may be considering leading a group cruise should not be made aware that this program exists. How better to keep a TA honest than knowing all the facts yourself?

 

JMHO, YMMV

 

So you looked in your Travel Agent guide for information....but your TA is your dear friend?? Why do you have a Travel Agent guide if you're not the TA? Something sounds fishy to me.

[MszKitty]

So you looked in your Travel Agent guide for information....but your TA is your dear friend?? Why do you have a Travel Agent guide if you're not the TA? Something sounds fishy to me.

 

Would you believe that some people have actually purchased TA guides on Ebay? I'm not saying that poster did that, but the TA guides are out there and people do get a hold of them somehow.

[yosh12]

If you were on a group that was entitled to GAP points, you SHOULD take it up with the TA and find out why the points weren't given out. Your group leader should have taken it up with the TA.

 

I have to agree about TA's keeping them - I know several TA's that do this and that just BURNS me. We NEVER do that - our clients get everything they are entitled to. But TA's that don't give everything to their clients give honest ones a bad name.

 

But everyone needs to know that not every cruise gets GAP points.

 

It's funny how you're a TA and you think it's dishonest about keeping any extra money or take advantage of perks you rightfully earn.

 

I've split free cabins with my TA, I've had her come along at what I'm assuming was a cheaper rate as our "guide" of sorts. I never feel that she HAS to give me anything. I'm grateful if I do get something. After some of the nightmares our groups have turned into, if she could earn a few hundred extra, she deserves it! And I don't consider her dishonest in the least, and she certainly is not giving any other TA a bad name. That's for sure.

[yosh12]

Would you believe that some people have actually purchased TA guides on Ebay? I'm not saying that poster did that, but the TA guides are out there and people do get a hold of them somehow.

 

Why in the world would anyone want one? If they're that interested in what the travel agent's policies are, why not just book with one?

[VernRDH]

So you looked in your Travel Agent guide for information....but your TA is your dear friend?? Why do you have a Travel Agent guide if you're not the TA? Something sounds fishy to me.

 

My friend GIVES me a copy of the TA guide every year (along with a lot of other stuff). I use it as a reference for our podcast, thank you very much. And yes you can purchase them on eBay.

 

Once again, I was only pointing out what it says in the RCI literature. And yet again I get jumped on because I have access to information that apparently according to all the "experts" here, I am not "allowed" to have.

Pardon me.

[TwitterCruise1]

ok.. quick question

we have (4) points... a bottle of wine/champagne is (1)

can we get 3-4 bottles in each room?

 

we are a group of 20 somethings so i dont know what else anyone would want... especially since there are 2-3 people per cabin. how would do split a 25 casino voucher?

[MszKitty]

Why in the world would anyone want one? If they're that interested in what the travel agent's policies are, why not just book with one?

 

 

Very good question! :rolleyes: LOL

[VernRDH]

Why in the world would anyone want one? If they're that interested in what the travel agent's policies are, why not just book with one?

 

The beauty of the TA Guide is all the itineraries and deck plans for EVERY ship in one book, not 5 different tour books. I book with my friend so that she gets the commission, but I know exactly what I want before I call or go to see her.

 

The guide has nothing to do with the TA's policies, aside from those issued by RCI.

[MszKitty]

ok.. quick question

we have (4) points... a bottle of wine/champagne is (1)

can we get 3-4 bottles in each room?

 

we are a group of 20 somethings so i dont know what else anyone would want... especially since there are 2-3 people per cabin. how would do split a 25 casino voucher?

 

No. You cannot use 4 points for 4 bottles of wine. If you read the link that was posted you will see that you can only get one bottle per stateroom. You will have to use the rest of the points for some other amenity.

 

This is what your TA should explain to you.

[Merion_Mom]

As for the idea that information for TAs is for TAs only.............

 

I was lucky enough to be on the Liberty of the Seas PreInaugural.

 

There was a session onboard that featured many senior RC officers and leaders.

 

It was primarily for TAs, but we were MORE than welcomed.

 

The PRESIDENT of Royal Caribbean didn't seem to have a problem talking about GAP and many other things in front of us!

 

:rolleyes:

[prc]

I guess that some TA's fear an informed client.

 

"Pay no attention to the man behind the green curtian"

[lvtotrvl1]

I guess that some TA's fear an informed client.

 

"Pay no attention to the man behind the green curtian"

 

Sorry, TA's absolutely love informed clients, what Ta's don't appreciate is half informed clients such as some that are posting on this thread (among others)as if they know what is the correct answer, and it's entirely wrong information. It is not fair to the client and it is not fair to the TA, or PVP etc. Although these boards are very informative and helpful in many ways, there is alot of incorrect information given out by some who consider themselves experts in everything.

[prc]

I don't think the original issue was someone "knowing it all", but rather someone getting upset that a "commoner" would dare have info that "only a TA should have". It was presented in such a way as to say "you shouldn't have that info, and even if you do, you are incapable of understanding it"

 

No, unless you are a TA, you will not know all the little tidbits. Heck, I would also say that there is not even a TA who would know it all, as it would all depend on the individual TA's experiences. But to be put out because someone gave away the secret handshake so-to speak seems a little over the top.

[lvtotrvl1]

I don't think the original issue was someone "knowing it all", but rather someone getting upset that a "commoner" would dare have info that "only a TA should have". It was presented in such a way as to say "you shouldn't have that info, and even if you do, you are incapable of understanding it"

 

No, unless you are a TA, you will not know all the little tidbits. Heck, I would also say that there is not even a TA who would know it all, as it would all depend on the individual TA's experiences. But to be put out because someone gave away the secret handshake so-to speak seems a little over the top.

 

I was not referring to that..although there is information anyone can get on any profession...it's how you use the information that is important. I was referring to the glib statement that "I guess some TA's fear an informed client". This thread is a perfect example of incorrect information given out to someone who was asking a perfectly legitimate question, and they deserve correct information.

[angelsil]

GAP points are like incentive points. The less desirable sailings often have a higher number to 'incent' TAs and groups to book. Sold-out cruises will have few, if any, GAP points to use.

 

I have booked a group directly with RCCL before (as a tour conductor) and all the GAP information was disclosed to me up-front by the cruise line so I don't think it's confidential at all.

 

Given that RCCL has made it less attractive to use a TA by cracking down on refunding commissions and other perks, I would imagine many people are just booking groups directly these days. I've also never had a TA keep all the GAP points. I'm always asked what perks I want for my group.

[willysgrandma]

Given that RCCL has made it less attractive to use a TA by cracking down on refunding commissions and other perks, I would imagine many people are just booking groups directly these days.

 

Actually, most TA's like RCCL because they don't permit discounting, so everyone is on an even keel.

[lvtotrvl1]

Given that RCCL has made it less attractive to use a TA by cracking down on refunding commissions and other perks, I would imagine many people are just booking groups directly these days.

 

Actually, most TA's like RCCL because they don't permit discounting, so everyone is on an even keel.

 

As a TA I agree with Willys statement...It is not hurting TA's in the least. It's actually helping us. There is more time to work with clients, because we are not woring with as many "price shoppers" with RCCL. I wouldn't be surprised if more cruiselines go to this. I'm sure the profits are better for everyone involved.

[FitzLA]

I think the point that the TA's are missing is that GAP points are not information just for TA's. I am NOT a TA and the information was given to me directly from the RCI group desk. And if booking a group without a TA, RCI will send you the GAP information list so that you can choose what you want for your group. I was told by RCI that GAP points are available on every sailing, but only to a certain degree. Shorter sailings get less, longer get more. We got 8 for our sailing. Chose to use it for a $100 OBC per cabin. (which is not listed on the TA list, but does exist) The only reason that they may not be available on certain sailings is that only a certain amount are allowed per sailing, so if that sailing has several groups booked, and they have all taken GAP, then the next group to book may not get any. Again, this is all what I have been told by RCI.

 

And I can't stress this point enough. GAP points are everyone's information. All you have to do is call the group desk to get the info, and anyone can book a group.

[lvtotrvl1]

I think the point that the TA's are missing is that GAP points are not information just for TA's. I am NOT a TA and the information was given to me directly from the RCI group desk. And if booking a group without a TA, RCI will send you the GAP information list so that you can choose what you want for your group. I was told by RCI that GAP points are available on every sailing, but only to a certain degree. Shorter sailings get less, longer get more. We got 8 for our sailing. Chose to use it for a $100 OBC per cabin. (which is not listed on the TA list, but does exist) The only reason that they may not be available on certain sailings is that only a certain amount are allowed per sailing, so if that sailing has several groups booked, and they have all taken GAP, then the next group to book may not get any. Again, this is all what I have been told by RCI.

 

And I can't stress this point enough. GAP points are everyone's information. All you have to do is call the group desk to get the info, and anyone can book a group.

 

I think one poster said something about that...it is published on the website...I send it to my clients..I don't think it is a big deal..again, it is how you use the information.

[KikiKruiser]

Given that RCCL has made it less attractive to use a TA by cracking down on refunding commissions and other perks, I would imagine many people are just booking groups directly these days.

 

Actually, most TA's like RCCL because they don't permit discounting, so everyone is on an even keel.

 

Another thing to remember is that RCI or any other cruise line don't want to give up working with TA's. They don't want to get into the business of having to hire huge work forces of agents (bigger payroll, more real estate to house their services) and all those "headaches"! TA's serve as an excellent partner (buffer) for the cruise lines and allow them to concentrate on the business of running their lines. :)

[cruiseco]

There's many different types of groups and many different ways of applying the GAP points. If you read the pdf you'll see that RCI breaks the possible uses into two general groups -- additional amenities for the group members and additional tools for the travel agency in the form of extra commissions or items to generate more groups such as the non-profit fundraiser program. Here's three possible scenarios showing what I believe to be legitimate uses of the GAP points depending on the type of group:

 

#1 (the agency gets the points) Say our agency booked some spec group space a year ago for a ship/sailing that's usually pretty popular. The group rate is $699. Six months later the individual res rate (what you'd find on RCI's web site) has increased to $899.

 

Someone walks in the door and wants to book that sailing. We offer it at $799. The client is saving $100 per person off of the best offer he can find anywhere else so he's happy.

 

We're making our normal 15% on the $699 group rate ($105) plus all of the $100 difference between the $699 group rate and the $799 charged.

 

We do this enough times that we qualify for GAP points. We'll take it in the form of additional commission (maybe an extra $50/cabin). Heck, maybe we even book enough to earn a TC credit that we'll keep. Does the client, already getting a $100 p/p savings deserve more? I don't think so but others may disagree. Bring me a group and we'll talk about group perks.

 

#2 (the group members get the points) A group leader comes to us to organize a family reunion cruise. If they book enough to qualify for the GAP points we would give them every amenity that they choose, disclosing all of the options and holding nothing back.

 

#3 (the group leader -- commonly called the pied-piper -- gets the points)We approach the area's leading square dance caller to see if he can round up a group. We'd tell him the GAP options and let him do what he wants. If he wants it all in cash for himself that's fine with us. If so, the group members would never be told about any additional GAP point amenities. If he wants to spread it around, that's fine too.

 

All of these uses are legitimate under the GAP program. The whole idea behind offering these things is to generate more business for RCI. An agency has a greater incentive to book spec groups if there's a chance for some bonus commissions. That reunion group is more likely to book with RCI as opposed to some other cruise line if they're offered that little something extra. And the leader of a special interest group is more likely to go through the work and trouble of organizing and promoting a group sailing if there's some cash at the end of the tunnel. It's all about sales.

[michigan tim]

There's many different types of groups and many different ways of applying the GAP points. If you read the pdf you'll see that RCI breaks the possible uses into two general groups -- additional amenities for the group members and additional tools for the travel agency in the form of extra commissions or items to generate more groups such as the non-profit fundraiser program. Here's three possible scenarios showing what I believe to be legitimate uses of the GAP points depending on the type of group:

 

#1 (the agency gets the points) Say our agency booked some spec group space a year ago for a ship/sailing that's usually pretty popular. The group rate is $699. Six months later the individual res rate (what you'd find on RCI's web site) has increased to $899.

 

Someone walks in the door and wants to book that sailing. We offer it at $799. The client is saving $100 per person off of the best offer he can find anywhere else so he's happy.

 

We're making our normal 15% on the $699 group rate ($105) plus all of the $100 difference between the $699 group rate and the $799 charged.

 

We do this enough times that we qualify for GAP points. We'll take it in the form of additional commission (maybe an extra $50/cabin). Heck, maybe we even book enough to earn a TC credit that we'll keep. Does the client, already getting a $100 p/p savings deserve more? I don't think so but others may disagree. Bring me a group and we'll talk about group perks.

 

#2 (the group members get the points) A group leader comes to us to organize a family reunion cruise. If they book enough to qualify for the GAP points we would give them every amenity that they choose, disclosing all of the options and holding nothing back.

 

#3 (the group leader -- commonly called the pied-piper -- gets the points)We approach the area's leading square dance caller to see if he can round up a group. We'd tell him the GAP options and let him do what he wants. If he wants it all in cash for himself that's fine with us. If so, the group members would never be told about any additional GAP point amenities. If he wants to spread it around, that's fine too.

 

All of these uses are legitimate under the GAP program. The whole idea behind offering these things is to generate more business for RCI. An agency has a greater incentive to book spec groups if there's a chance for some bonus commissions. That reunion group is more likely to book with RCI as opposed to some other cruise line if they're offered that little something extra. And the leader of a special interest group is more likely to go through the work and trouble of organizing and promoting a group sailing if there's some cash at the end of the tunnel. It's all about sales.

 

ding ding ding ding ding - Ladies and gentleman we have a winner!

[Lynnees]

There's many different types of groups and many different ways of applying the GAP points. If you read the pdf you'll see that RCI breaks the possible uses into two general groups -- additional amenities for the group members and additional tools for the travel agency in the form of extra commissions or items to generate more groups such as the non-profit fundraiser program. Here's three possible scenarios showing what I believe to be legitimate uses of the GAP points depending on the type of group:

 

#1 (the agency gets the points) Say our agency booked some spec group space a year ago for a ship/sailing that's usually pretty popular. The group rate is $699. Six months later the individual res rate (what you'd find on RCI's web site) has increased to $899.

 

Someone walks in the door and wants to book that sailing. We offer it at $799. The client is saving $100 per person off of the best offer he can find anywhere else so he's happy.

 

We're making our normal 15% on the $699 group rate ($105) plus all of the $100 difference between the $699 group rate and the $799 charged.

 

 

 

 

I just have one question - does RCL actually let you charge an extra $100 if they have given you the space at $699.00? I was under the impression that is not kosher.